DoEL: Investigation into the National Minimum Wage

Posted 02 September 2026 Written by Acts Online
Category Labour

Brought to you by SA Accounting Academy: The National Minimum Wage Commission has initiated public consultations regarding potential adjustments to the statutory national minimum wage.

In terms of section 6 of the National Minimum Wage Act, No. 9 of 2018, the Commission conducts an annual review of the national minimum wage, investigating economic factors, employment levels, and cost-of-living indicators to formulate recommendations for the Minister of Employment and Labour.

The Commission has published an online survey questionnaire to collect empirical data and representations from affected stakeholders. Key aspects of the review process include:

  • Stakeholders and employer bodies may submit inputs via the official NMW Survey Questionnaire.
  • The Commission will analyse survey data to draft its annual report and proposed adjustment rates.
  • Following publication of the Commission’s formal annual report, an additional statutory public comment window will open before final recommendations are submitted to the Minister for promulgation.

Click here to access the relevant Gazette notice.

What this means for you, your business, or your clients

  • For yourself: Stay abreast of statutory wage review timelines to provide accurate, up-to-date compliance advice on employment standards and payroll thresholds.
  • For your business: Model prospective wage increases into mid-term operational budgets and complete the survey to reflect sector-specific wage pressures.
  • For your clients: Advise employer clients to audit remuneration schedules against baseline wage rates and submit representations regarding industry affordability and economic constraints.

Originally published at https://accountingacademy.co.za/news/read/doel-investigation-into-the-national-minimum-wage

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